U.S. patent application number 16/352257 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-17 for multi-purpose biometric locking assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aquavault LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Kinas, Robert Peck, Avin Samtani. Invention is credited to Jonathan Kinas, Robert Peck, Avin Samtani.
Application Number | 20200291684 16/352257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000003992127 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200291684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kinas; Jonathan ; et
al. |
September 17, 2020 |
MULTI-PURPOSE BIOMETRIC LOCKING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A multi-purpose biometric locking .system is provided having
interchangeable cables and a biometric lock. The locking system
includes multiple length locking cables that are interchangeable in
the locking system and include differing lengths and diameters for
use in a variety of desired situations. The locking system also
includes a biometric sensor to allow the lock to be operated using
the fingerprints of the approved users.
Inventors: |
Kinas; Jonathan; (Aventura,
FL) ; Peck; Robert; (Ganesvoort, CT) ;
Samtani; Avin; (Miami Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kinas; Jonathan
Peck; Robert
Samtani; Avin |
Aventura
Ganesvoort
Miami Beach |
FL
CT
FL |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aquavault LLC
Aventura
FL
|
Family ID: |
1000003992127 |
Appl. No.: |
16/352257 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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29683450 |
Mar 13, 2019 |
|
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16352257 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 63/0056 20130101;
E05B 47/0012 20130101; G07C 9/00944 20130101; G07C 9/00563
20130101; G06K 9/00013 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05B 47/00 20060101
E05B047/00; G07C 9/00 20060101 G07C009/00; E05B 63/00 20060101
E05B063/00; G06K 9/00 20060101 G06K009/00 |
Claims
1. A lock comprising; a housing having first and second recesses
therein: an elongate cable member having a first end and a second
end wherein the first end of the cable member is releasably
received in the first recess; a locking mechanism in the housing
which is movable between locked and unlocked positions and wherein
the locking mechanism engages the first end of the cable member in
the first recess in the locked position and the first end of the
cable member is releasable from the locking mechanism in the
unlocked position; and the second end of the cable member is
separable from the housing in the unlocked position of the locking
mechanism.
2. The lock of claim 1 wherein the second end of the cable member
is unthreadable from at least a portion of the cable member when
the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
3. The lock of claim 1 wherein the second end of the cable member
is releasable from the second recess when the locking mechanism is
in the unlocked position.
4. The lock of claim 1 wherein the first end of the cable member
and the second end of the cable member are releasable from the
housing when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
5. The lock of claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism is a biometric
lock.
6. The lock of claim 5 wherein the biometric lock stores multiple
fingerprint scans in a microprocessor positioned in the
housing.
7. The lock of claim 6 wherein the locking mechanism unlocks at
least the first end of the cable member when the microprocessor
matches a fingerprint with a stored fingerprint.
8. The lock of claim 1 wherein the cable member is interchangeable
with a cable member having a different diameter.
9. The lock of claim 1 wherein the cable member is interchangeable
with a cable member having a different length.
10. A lock, comprising: a housing having first and second recesses
therein; an elongate cable member having a first end and a second
end wherein the first end of the cable member is releasably
received in the first recess; a locking mechanism having a
biometric sensor in the housing which is movable between locked and
unlocked positions and wherein the locking mechanism engages the
first end of the cable member in the first recess in the locked
position and the first end of the cable member is releasable from
the locking mechanism in the unlocked position in response to
actuation of the biometric sensor: and the second end of the cable
member is separable from the housing in the unlocked position of
the locking mechanism.
11. The lock of claim 10 further comprising: a fingerprint user
interlace which is operable whether the locking mechanism is in a
locked position or an unlocked position and including a fingerprint
sensor; a LED tor indication of fingerprint installation, locking
status, power on/off status or low battery status; a memory storage
device for storing registered fingerprints; a microprocessor for
comparing the input fingerprint with stored fingerprints; and a
user interface software operation system.
12. The lock of claim 11 wherein An unlocking signal is applied to
an electromagnetic switch if the input fingerprint matches the
stored fingerprints in the memory; then after a predetermined
amount of time, an unlocking signal is applied to an
electromagnetic switch as well; a locking signal is applied to an
electromagnetic switch when a return switch is pushed down by first
end of the cable member in the first recess; and a locking or
unlocking signal is turned off after a predetermined time to save
energy.
13. The lock of claim 10 wherein a solar panel is provided as a
source of power for the microprocessor.
14. The lock of claim 11 wherein additional fingerprint can be
installed and stored after an administrator fingerprint has been
verified; and the stored fingerprint can be deleted after an
administrator fingerprint has been verified.
15. A versatile lock system comprising: a housing having first and
second recesses therein: a plurality of elongate cable members each
having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of each
of the cable member is releasably receivable in the first recess of
the housing; a locking mechanism having a biometric sensor in the
housing which is movable between locked and unlocked positions and
wherein the locking mechanism engages the first end of the cable
member in the first recess in the locked position and the first end
of the cable member is releasable from the locking mechanism in the
unlocked position in response to actuation of the biometric sensor,
and the second end of each of the cable members is separable from
the housing in the unlocked position of the locking mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF TOE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is generally directed to a
multi-purpose biometric locking system having interchangeable
cables and a biometric lock. As described herein, the locking
system includes multiple length locking cables that are
interchangeable in the locking system. The locking system also
includes a biometric sensor to allow the lock to be operated using
the fingerprints of the users.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] A variety of locks for numerous different functions have
been disclosed in the art. A group of these locks include
electronic or biometric features that provide the added convenience
of being usable without the need for a key or other mechanical
mechanism for opening the lock.
[0003] As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. US 2003/0016847,
a microprocessor operated keyless entry padlock is disclosed. This
disclosure describes a fingerprint sensor for reading a fingerprint
and comparing it to at least one fingerprint stored in the memory
of the padlock. If a match is found, the padlock may be manually
opened by a knob or is automatically opened by operating a drive
gear portion connected to a locking bar to open the padlock.
[0004] As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. US 2007/0126551,
a padlock is disclosed having a body and a shackle having two ends,
one end of the shackle being rotatably secured within the body, the
other end of the shackle being releasable from the body when the
padlock is unlocked. The padlock comprises a biometric interlace
disposed in a bottom wall defined in a base of the body. The
interface includes a fingerprint scanner and a user access
interface. A biometric validation module is disposed within the
hotly and communicated to the biometric interface for processing a
biometric profile from the fingerprint Scanner and for indicating a
status with the user access interface. The biometric validation
module provides a lock control signal responsive to processing of
the biometric profile; and a mechanical interface, coupled to the
biometric validation module and to a latch, for controlling a mode
of the padlock responsive to a lock control signal from the
biometric validation module, the mode including the unlocked mode
in which the latch releases the shackle and the locked mode wherein
the larch retains the shackle within the body when the shackle is
inserted into the body,
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,187 granted to Wood ling discloses a
keyless padlock system that includes an electromagnetic switch
system, a combination code and a fingerprint process system. The
switch system and fingerprint process system operate a conventional
clasp member which is movable between open and closed positions.
The electromagnetic switch system operates the padlock with a
mechanical actuated mechanism. The fingerprint process system
allows the padlock device to operate similar to a key system. The
buttons and LED's manage the padlock device using both fingerprint
and a combination code. A changeable battery system is utilized
without losing tire memory to provide a padlock device that is
reliable and easily programmed.
SUMMARY OF THK INVENTION
[0006] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention provides
a new and improved system and method for using a fingerprint and
identification system for use with a multipurpose locking
device.
[0007] It is a particular object of the present invention to have
an improved cable system that includes a plurality of
interchangeable cables that arc adapted for use in a variety of
different situations. For example, a three-cable system may he
provided wherein cable 1 may he a travel sized cable for use with
luggage, zippers, bags, etc. Cable 2 may be a heavier duty cable
for lockers, fences, storage units and heavy-duty applications.
Cable 3 may be a longer heavy-duty cable for use with bikes,
skis/snowboards, equipment etc.
[0008] It is still another particular object of the present
invention to provide a fingerprint identification switch system
connected with an actuated mechanical operation system to the
locking device. More particularly, in an embodiment of the present
invention, the locking device is provided with one or more LED
buttons and a USB element for operating the fingerprint management.
The LED on the buttons indicates the operation and the battery
status without loss of the memory of fingerprint installed. It is a
further object of the present invention to have both
administrative, user and manufacturing access though the
fingerprint microprocessor system to the locking system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of locking system of the
present invention showing the front and side of the locking
system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of locking system of the present
invention showing the front side of the locking system with
multiple length and varied thickness cable structures of the
preferred embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is side view of locking system of the preferred
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the locking system of the
preferred embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of locking system of an
alternate embodiment showing the from and side of the locking
system.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the
locking system.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view in cross section of the locking
system of the preferred embodiment of the locking system.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view in cross section of the locking system
of the preferred embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the installation of the user
fingerprints, and instructions for the operation of the locking
system of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic of the operation of the locking
system of the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention is directed to an improved system and
method for providing a user with an improved multi-purpose locking
system having the features of a traditional padlock. The preferred
embodiments of the improved system and method are fully detailed,
illustrated and described herein.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a
biometric locking system 10 having a cable member 12 that is
retained in a locked position within the housing 14 of the locking
system. As shown in FIG. 2, a three-cable system may be provided
wherein cable A may be a shorter, travel sized cable for use with
luggage, zippers, bags. etc. Cable B may be a medium length heavier
duty cable for lockers, fences, storage units and heavy-duty
applications. Cable C may be a longer heavy-duty cable for use with
bikes, skis/snowboards, equipment etc.
[0021] The front surface of the housing 14 has at least one LED 16
indicator to indicate the status of the locking system 10 for the
fingerprint installation and system management. The user uses the
LED 16 to control and manage the locking system 10 with the set-up
provided from a software program or microprocessor 46. The user can
install and manage the fingerprint storage by following the LED 16
colors and indications.
[0022] The fingerprint sensor 18 is shown at the front surface of
the locking system 10 in figure 1 and FIG. 2. The user may use any
desired finger to press the finger into the recess on the sensor
frame 20 to install the initial fingerprint data into the locking
system 10 or open the locking system 10. The location of the
fingerprint sensor 18 provides a safe position for applying the
fingerprint of the user to avoid inadvertent contact and to provide
a convenient operational position for the user to place their
finger on the sensor 18.
[0023] On the bottom surface of the locking system 10 of the
present invention show n in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, there is USB opening
22 for providing access to the locking system with a USB connector
24 which is inserted into the bottom of the housing 14. A battery
26 is located inside of housing 18 and is preferably rechargeable
through the use of the USB connector 24 or an optional solar panel
56. Alternately, the battery 26 may he exchanged without affecting
the existence of previously stored fingerprint data.
[0024] The cable post 28 of the cable member 12 is shown in FIG. 7
and FIG. 8. The cable post 28 is shown as being held in the inner
locking recess 30 of the housing 14. The cable post 28 may be
spring biased and/or of any desired shape, such as a U-shaped,
recessed or with an extending element 32. The extending element 32
is preferably attached to or formed on the cable post 28 as
described more fully below. Upon actuation of a knob or motor 34.
as described below, the drive gear 36 may be rotated to turn gear
portion 38, to release the cable post 28 from the closed or locked
position, to allow the user to open the locking system 10. The
drive gear 36 may be directly connected between a drive shaft of a
knob or motor 34 and gear portion 38. The drive gear 36 may be
connected to intermediate gears or a gear reducer. A knob (not
shown) may also be manually actuated to open the locking recess and
release the cable post 28. If an electrical motor is used, it must
be sized and dimensioned to fit within the housing in the locking
system 10 and have sufficient torque to open the locking member
under worst case power availability and temperature conditions. At
the same time, the motor must be capable of being operated at low
power so as not to quickly drain the power battery or other power
source.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 6, a fingerprint sensor 18, which
may be of any known type, such as a capacitive, optical or thermal,
is secured in a pre-selected area and electrically connected to a
circuit board 42 having a power source 26, such as one or more
batteries, between the front and back surfaces of the housing 14.
The fingerprint sensor 18 is directly connected to a
microcontroller or microprocessor 46 held on the circuit board 42.
When an authorized fingerprint is detected or sensed by fingerprint
sensor 18, a signal is sent to the microprocessor 46. In response
to the generation of a signal, a motor 34 is actuated by the power
source 26 to rotate and release the cable post 28 by means of the
gear drive 36 and gear portion 38 or a knob that is released and
turned, as explained below, Before the knob is turned or the motor
34 may operate, a latch arm or lever 50 is actuated by a solenoid
52, to release the holding element on gear 36. The latch 50 may
include a spring 48 held between the front and back surfaces to
bias the latch in a closed position. The mechanism may be designed
so that the motor may only unlock or release the cable post 28,
whereby a user must manually close or open the locking system 10 by
removing or inserting the cable post 28 into or from the locking
recess 30. A secondary sensor 58 is mounted adjacent the latch 50
to sense if the latch is in the open or closed position. The
fingerprint sensor 18 is preferably mounted behind or protected by
a window or the like and the sensor frame 20 is secured to the
front surface of the housing 14. Additionally, to save power, when
in a standby mode, tire circuit is designed to draw nearly zero
current. Therefore, when it is desired to open the lock, it is
preferable to have a sensor that is pressed or activated to start
the power-up process. An authorized user may then pass their finger
across window of the sensor frame 20 to have their fingerprint read
to activate the motor 34 or allow the knob to be turned to open the
locking system 10.
[0026] An alternate locking mechanism which is primarily
electromagnetic may also be used with the present invention. The
mechanism of the electromagnetic switch system of the locking
system 10 of the present invention includes a rod that is assembled
to a major electromagnetic switch that is retracted into the
solenoid 52 and a magnetic body when the unlocking signal is turned
on. The magnetic body holds the rod until the locking signal pushes
the rod back to the locking position. A minor electromagnetic
switch is used to retract the rod to the solenoid body and pull a
stop plate back to squeeze a spring following the rod after
receiving the unlocking signal. The rod and the slop plate will be
released by the spring after the off signal is received. The minor
electromagnetic switch works before the major electromagnetic
switch is activated. The microprocessor 46 controls the signals in
the fingerprint processing system.
[0027] The preferred form of this alternate locking system includes
an internal structure at the locking and unlocking position of the
cable post 28 of the present invention. The electromagnetic switch
system works by receiving an on or off signal from microprocessor
46. When the unlocking signal is on, an end cap will follow the
rod. The rod then slides off the sliding block with an end spring.
The sliding block with the end spring is moved free from the cable
post 28. The user can then pull the cable member 12 tree from the
housing 14 to open the locking system 10.
[0028] When the user pushes the cable post 28 into the housing 14
as a normal lock to lock the locking system, the return block with
the return spring acts as a return switch to provide a locking
signal to push the rod back to the locking position. The sliding
block is then pushed by cable post 28 and spring back to the
locking position. The sliding block with the end spring preferably
has a 90-degree motion with respect to the cable post 28. When the
extending element 32 on the cable post 28 is blocked by the sliding
block with the end spring, the locking system 10 w ill be locked.
When the extending element 32 of the cable post 28 has not been
blocked by the sliding block with the end spring, the cable post 28
can be moved up and down in the locking recess 30. In this
embodiment, the user is able to pull or push the cable member 12
and cable post 28 to unlock or lock the locking system 10.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the cable system of the present
invention includes cable members 12 of varying length, size and
diameter shown as Cables A, B or C. As described herein, the cable
members 12 may be used in the locking system 10 to secure multiple
different objects. The cable member 12 preferably includes a
strong, flexible cable section 60 that is preferably not easily
cut. The cable member 12 includes the cable post 28 with the
extending element 32 thereon. The other end of the cable member 12
preferably includes a secondary post member 62 that is retained in
a secondary locking member 64 of the locking system 10. The
secondary post member 62 includes an extension or similar member
that is releasably retained in the secondary locking member 64.
When the locking system 10 is in the locked configuration, the
secondary post member 62 is retained in the secondary locking
member 64 of the locking system 10. When the locking system 10 is
in the unlocked configuration, the secondary post member 62 is
releasable front or insertable into the secondary locking member
64. In this form of the invention, the secondary post member 62 is
releasable from the secondary locking member 64 upon actuation by
the secondary sensor 58. Bach of the cable members 12 preferably
include standardized cable posts 28 and secondary post members 62
to allow the various cable members to be interchangeable with the
locking system 10. This versatile feature allows the user to select
the desired length and thickness of the cable member for the
intended use. In an alternate or additional feature of this
embodiment, the secondary post member 62 may be fixedly retained in
the secondary locking member 64 and a threaded portion 66 may be
located on the cable section 60 adjacent to the secondary post
member 62 to allow the user to threadedly remove the cable section
60 from the secondary post member 62. The cable section 60 of this
embodiment is then interchangeable to allow the user to select the
desired length and diameter for the intended use. It is preferable
that the threaded portion 66 is not accessible or utilized while
the locking system 10 is in the locked configuration as determined
by a component such as the secondary sensor 58. In this embodiment,
the threaded portion 66 may not be rotated to release the cable
member when the other end of the cable is locked in the housing
14.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8. the USB access port 22 of the
locking system 10 is shown. The USB connector 24 is accessible
through the access port in the bottom surface of the housing 14.
When the locking system is connected to a computer via the USB
connector 24, the microprocessor 46 may be updated, the saved
fingerprints may be cleared or updated and/or the batteries 26 may
be recharged.
[0031] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in
figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, the locking system 10 includes
one or more cable members 12, a housing 14 and fingerprint sensor
18. This embodiment includes one or more gripping surfaces 70
located along the sides of the housing 14. In this embodiment, the
sides of the housing 14 are preferably slightly recessed such that
the user may easily grasp the locking system to place their index
finger on the fingerprint sensor 18. The gripping surface 70 may be
formed of a rubber material or similar materials to provide a
durable surface along the sides of the housing 14 and may include a
plurality of raised horizontally aligned members to facilitate the
grasping of the sides of the locking system.
[0032] When a user's fingerprint is sampled, the details of the
fingerprint are extracted and stored in memory as a data set. In
the preferred form of the present invention, up to 10 fingerprints
may be stored in the microprocessor 46. If the design allows only
for one data set to be stored, then each time a fingerprint is
stored in record mode it erases the previous set. To record
multiple fingerprints for more than one authorized user, each user
may be required to follow the steps set forth below. This assures
that previously stored data sets are not inadvertently erased. If
memory capacity allows for multiple fingerprints to be stored, then
the microcontroller firmware may be programmed such that the oldest
stored fingerprint set is replaced with the newest fingerprint over
a preset amount. Alternately, an administrator fingerprint retained
in storage and the secondary fingerprints are selectively deleted.
For example, if memory was provided for up to 10 fingerprint data
sets, when the 11th fingerprint is recorded, it will overwrite the
first non-administrator fingerprint, A small amount of memory is
allocated to keep track of the order of the data sets in a format
such as a circular buffer or flash memory 72. A mode may be
provided which will allow an authorized user to erase all
fingerprints stored in the memory. For example, if the user first
placed their linger on the fingerprint sensor, this could store the
new fingerprint details, leaving the previously stored data
alone.
[0033] An example of programming the locking system 10 of the
present invention includes programming the fingerprint of an
administrator and then multiple secondary users. In this
embodiment, the administrator presses the finger print sensor for
an extended duration. When a blue light is illuminated, the finger
is lifted. When a green light flashes, the finger is pressed
against the sensor up to ten times while the blue and green light
flash. If the storage of the finger print individual application is
successful, a blue light flashes. If the finger print individual
finger print storage is unsuccessful, a red-light flashes. When ten
successful recordings have been stored, a tone is heard and a green
light flashes continuously.
[0034] For secondary users, the process for recording the finger
print involves pressing the finger against the fingerprint sensor
for an extended duration until a blue light flashes continuously.
The recording of the secondary finger print is then started when
the green light flashes. The finger is applied to the sensor ten
times as the blue light and green light flash. If the application
of the finger is successful, the blue light flashes. If the
recording of the application of the finger is unsuccessful, the
red-light flashes. When there a total of ten successful recordings
of a single fingerprint, a tone is heard and the green light
flashes continuously.
[0035] Fingerprints may be deleted only by the administrator in one
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
administrator places their finger on the fingerprint sensor for an
extended duration. When the red-light flashes continuously, the
administrator fingerprint is recognized. The administrator may then
delete the secondary fingerprints individually or all stored
secondary fingerprints at the same time. The preferred form of the
fingerprint sensor allows for at least 180 degree or 270 degree
fingerprint recognition. The resolution is preferably about 508
DPI. The battery is preferably 3.7V 300 mAh. The charger may be 5V
and 1A. When the voltage is less than 3.5V, the red-light indicator
will flash and then an alarm will sound every minute.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the operation of the electronics
of the device of the present invention. After one or more
fingerprints have been stored in the locking system 10, the locking
system 10 is operated as described below. The sensor frame 20 is
initially pushed or activated to provide a wake signal to the
circuitry. As a finger is passed over the fingerprint sensor 18;
the microcontroller or microprocessor 46 is initialized. The
microprocessor 46 will then send out the required control signals
to activate the fingerprint sensor 18 and will read data from the
fingerprint. The data will then be analyzed to determine if a valid
fingerprint has been read. Several attempts will be made to read a
valid fingerprint and if a valid print is read, the cable post 28
will be releasable from the locking recess 30 and the locking
system 10 will be opened. Alter the locking system 10 is opened,
the circuit will return to the sleep mode.
[0037] The electronics of the present invention may be programmed
whereby if the system is run too many times, or receives too many
false fingerprint readings, the locking system 10 may enter into an
un-interruptible mode to prevent tampering. Once in the
uninterruptible mode, the locking system 10 would then have to be
actuated by USB connector 24, so as to be again capable of being
actuated by use of the fingerprint Sensor 34. Alternately, a time
out configuration may be provided. When the locking system 10 is in
the record mode or set to receive new fingerprints, the data will
be stored for later comparison.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the locking system 10
of the present invention having a motor 34. The microprocessor 46
contains the logic necessary for reading the data from the
fingerprint sensor 18 and determining when to open or lock the
locking system 10. The power supply or battery 26 may be charged by
an optional solar panel 56 and an associated power control circuit
to ensure that the battery 26 is not discharged during the standby
mode. The fingerprint sensor 18 is connected to the microprocessor
46 through a conventional signal conditioning mechanism and data
conversion mechanism. The output from the microprocessor 46 runs
the motor 34 to the driver or drive gear 36. An optional flash
memory 12 may be used to store fingerprint patterns indefinitely,
even when battery power is low or lost. Similarly, the optional
solar panel 56 may be utilized to provide power to the locking
system 10.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *